Former Parliament Speaker David Usupashvili to Run for President

Davit Usupashvili, former Speaker of the Georgian Parliament and the founder of the centrist opposition force 'Movement for Construction,' is to run for the position of President of Georgia this October.

He led the Republican Party in 2005-2013 and served as the Parliament Speaker in 2012-2016.

The ex-Speaker, who earlier suggested President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili join forces and take part in the elections, says the President did not accept his proposal, therefore, he will run himself.

“Margvelashvili is not interested in long-term party-political activity. Since he cannot see himself in the party, I am undertaking the responsibility,” he stated.

Officially, there are 5 presidential candidates besides Usupashvili:

Shalva Natelashvili from the Labor Party, Nino Burjanadze, the leader of the Russia-affiliated Democratic Movement-United Georgia, Zurab Japaridze from the New Political Center – Girchi, United opposition candidate – Grigol Vashadze, and European Georgia – David Bakradze.

Salome Zurabishvili, an independent MP, has not yet officially declared if she will take part in the presidential elections. However, it is alleged that she might be supported by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has not yet named their candidate.

The current President of Georgia, he yet to specify either if he will run the race.

The elections will be held in Georgia on October 28.

By Thea Morrison